Agriculture Program Specialist

State-of-Nebraska; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 66,125,000 - 71,635,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

Retirement plan with state matching

Health insurance benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance policy

Job summary

State of Nebraska is seeking an Agriculture Program Specialist in Lincoln, NE. The role supports leadership, coordinates strategic projects, and drives growth for Nebraska agriculture. Travel is required as part of collaboration with partners and events.

Responsibilities include managing APD projects, coordinating workshops, and reporting data. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is preferred, with strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or commensurate experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the NDA Director and Deputy Director on APD projects.
• Provide project leadership and strategic direction for multiple growth initiatives.
• Plan and coordinate committees and events from start to finish.
• Manage APD contact activity and coordinate workshops and programs.
• Document agency participation in trade shows and events.
• Conduct market research and support program reporting and data management.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

The work we do matters!Hiring Agency:Agriculture - Agency 18Location:Lincoln, NEHiring Rate:$24.193Job Posting:JR2026-00028726 Agriculture Program Specialist (Open)Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):08-27-2026Job Description:The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is currently seeking a Program Specialist to join their team. Under general supervision from the Deputy Director, performs planning, promotional activities, reporting and data management, partnership development, research, and general related work as required to support the promotion, development, and growth of Nebraska agriculture. This work will include but is not limited to building partnerships and working collaboratively with partners to support and advance Nebraska’s agricultural and food businesses.Look at what we have to offer!• 13 paid holidays• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately• Military leave• 156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement• Tuition reimbursement• Employee assistance program• 79% employer paid health insurance plans• Dental and vision insurance plans• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service• Training and Development based on your career aspirations• Fun, inviting teammates• A safe and secure environmentAt the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!Job Duties:Support the NDA Director and Deputy Director as needed with APD projects.Provide project leadership, strategic direction, and implementation of multiple strategies to drive agricultural growth and development, including market research for Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses.Committees and Event Planning, including start to finish project management. Governor’s Ag and Economic Development Summit, National Ag Week, Husker Harvest Days, State Fair, etc.APD Contact Management.Workshops and Programs as assigned.Documentation of agency wide trade show participation. Domestic marketing of Nebraska agriculture products, including trade shows, events, and coordination with partners. National Restaurant Association Show, Americas Food and Beverage Show, etc.Nebraska Local Food Collaborations: Engagement, communication, and collaboration with agriculture partners to promote, grow, and defend Nebraska agriculture, including APD strategy for connecting with all of Nebraska agriculture.Provide support, reporting, and data management assistance for NDA programs, including but not limited to: Specialty Crop Block Grant Programs, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.Grant preparation, implementation, and reporting to Board Management: Nebraska Craft Brewery Board, Nebraska Grape and Winery Board, Others.Market Research for International Trade.In collaboration with the NDA Communications Team, provide management of implementation, data collection, funding, and contracts, as well as serving as the point of contact for: Nebraska Agriculture Promotional Materials o APD Website Content.All other duties assigned within the scope of the classification.Requirements / QualificationsMinimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree preferred in related area, or commensurate experience.Preferred Qualifications:A Bachelor of Science in an agriculture-related or marketing field are preferred.Bilingual: Spanish SpeakingGrant Writing ExperienceOutstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.Other: Regular and Reliable attendance is required. This position requires travel. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver's license or another form of reliable transportationKnowledge, Skills and Abilities:The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of, and/or experience in, the agriculture industry. Candidates should have demonstrated ability in problem solving, strategic thinking, communication, have strong relationship-building skills, and demonstrate success with project execution/management of multiple tasks/campaigns simultaneously. Strong multi-tasking, project management and prioritization skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate in individual and team settings both in person and virtually (i.e., research, writing, presentations, web, and social media). Experience working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish individual and/or group goals, as evidenced by college, career, and/or community activities. Cultivate a culture of collaboration with state and local leaders and community members that builds positive relationships between the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Nebraska Citizens. Partner with state and regional agriculture professionals to further enhance the positive message of Nebraska agriculture.If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/BenefitsWe offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefitsEqual Opportunity StatementThe State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.